Basic Information

Name

MiG-29 (Fulcrum) Russian Multirole Fighter Aircraft

Designation

MIG-29

Alternate Designation

MIG-29; NATO: Fulcrum

Equipment Type

Multirole Fighter Aircraft

Manufacturer

Mikoyan

Date of Introduction

1982

Description

The Mikoyan MiG-29 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-29; NATO reporting name: Fulcrum) is a twin-engine jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union. Developed by the Mikoyan design bureau as an air superiority fighter during the 1970s, the MiG-29, along with the larger Sukhoi Su-27, was developed to counter new U.S. fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. The MiG-29 entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1982. While originally oriented towards combat against any enemy aircraft, many MiG-29s have been furnished as multirole fighters capable of performing a number of different operations, and are commonly outfitted to use a range of air-to-surface armaments and precision munitions. The MiG-29 has been manufactured in several major variants, including the multirole Mikoyan MiG-29M and the naval Mikoyan MiG-29K; the most advanced member of the family to date is the Mikoyan MiG-35. Later models frequently feature improved engines, glass cockpits with Hands-On-Throttle-and-Stick (HOTAS) flight controls, modern radar and infrared search and track (IRST) sensors, and considerably increased fuel capacity; some aircraft have also been equipped for aerial refueling. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the militaries of a number of former Soviet republics have continued to operate the MiG-29, the largest of which is the Russian Air Force. The MiG-29 has also been a popular export aircraft; more than 30 nations either operate or have operated the aircraft to date.

Air & Air Defense Specifications

Crew 1

Variants

MIG-29 "Fulcrum A" Initial production version; entered service in 1983. NATO reporting name is "Fulcrum-A". The aircraft lacks a nuclear weapon delivery system and has initial production radar, ECM and IFF.

MIG-29UB "Fulcrum B" Twin seat training model. Infra-red sensor mounted only, no radar. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-B". Export variant had downgraded systems similar to MiG-29

MIG-29S "Fulcrum C" The MiG-29S, given the NATO reporting code "Fulcrum-C", features flight control system improvements; a total of four new computers provide better stability augmentation and controllability with an increase of 2° in angle of attack (AoA). An improved mechanical-hydraulic flight control system allows for greater control surface deflections. The MiG-29S has a dorsal hump, which led to its nickname "Fatback", houses the L-203BE Gardenyia-1 ECM system. The MiG-29S can carry 1,150 l (250 imp gal; 300 US gal) under wing drop tanks and a centerline tank. The inboard underwing hardpoints allow a tandem pylon arrangement for carrying a larger payload of 4,000 kg (8,800 lb). Overall maximum gross weight has been raised to 20,000 kg (44,000 lb). Built only for domestic use. Early MiG-29S featured an IRST sighting system; the MiG-29S improvement kit includes the Phazotron N019M radar and Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) to reduce dependence on ground support equipment; MiG MAPO designates this as MiG-29SD. Improvements to software and processing capabilities enables the tracking of up to 10 targets and the simultaneous engagement of two with the R-77 missile. The MiG-29S also has a limited ground-attack capability.

MIG-29SE (Export Variant) Export model of MiG-29S with slightly downgraded N-019ME radar with multiple target tracking ability and RVV-AE (R-77 missile) compatibility. The first export model MiG-29 with underwing drop tanks; the inner underwing pylons can carry over 500 kg (1,100 lb) bombs in side by side tandem pairs. Its weapons mix includes R-27T1, R-27ER1 and R-27ET1 medium-range missiles. The aircraft can be fitted with active ECM systems, weapons guidance aids, improved built-in check and training systems. The MiG-29SE can simultaneously engage two air targets.

MIG-29K/MIG-29KUB "Fulcrum D" (Carrier Variants) Naval variant based on MiG-29M, the letter "K" stands for "Korabelnogo bazirovaniya" (deck-based). It features folding wings, arrestor gear, and reinforced landing gear. Originally intended for the Admiral Kuznetsov class aircraft carriers, it had received series production approval from the Russian Ministry of Defence but was grounded in 1992 due to shift in military doctrine and financial difficulties. The MiG Corporation restarted the program in 1999. On 20 January 2004, the Indian Navy signed a contract of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB. Modifications were made for the Indian Navy requirement. Production MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB share a two-seater size canopy. The MiG-29K has radar absorbing coatings to reduce radar signature. Cockpit displays consist of wide HUD and three (seven on MiG-29KUB) color LCD MFDs with a Topsight E helmet-mounted targeting system. It has a full range of weapons compatible with the MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT. The MIG-29KUB is the two-seat version of the 'K' model. The NATO reporting code for both aircraft is "Fulcrum-D".

MiG-29SM (Product 9.13M) Similar to the 9.13, but with the ability to carry guided air-to-surface missiles and TV- and laser-guided bombs. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-C".

MiG-29SM (SyAF) For the Syrian Air Force, and based on the MiG-29SM, except the Syrian MiG-29SM uses the 9.12 airframe. RAC MiG developed a special variant for Syria.

MiG-29G/MiG-29GT East German MiG-29 / 29UB upgraded to NATO standards, with work done by MiG Aircraft Product Support GmbH (MAPS), a joint venture company form between MiG Moscow Aviation Production Association and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace in 1993.

MiG-29AS/MiG-29UBS (MiG-29SD) Slovak Air Force performed an upgrade on their MiG-29/-29UB for NATO compatibility. Work is done by RAC MiG and Western firms, starting from 2005. The aircraft now has navigation and communications systems from Rockwell Collins, an IFF system from BAE Systems, new glass cockpit features multi-function LC displays and digital processors and also fitted to be integrate with Western equipment in the future. However, the armaments of the aircraft remain unchanged. 12 out of 21 of the entire MiG-29 fleet were upgraded and had been delivered as of late February 2008.

MiG-29 Sniper Upgrade planned for Romanian Air Force, by Israeli firms. First flight occurred on 5 May 2000. The program was halted along with the retiring of Romanian MiG-29s in 2003. The latter occurred because of high maintenance costs, which led to the Romanian Government's decision to halt the MiG-29 program and further invest in the MiG-21 LanceR program.

MiG-29SMT (Product 9.17) The MiG-29SMT is an upgrade package for first-generation MiG-29s (9.12 to 9.13) containing enhancements intended for the MiG-29M variant. Additional fuel tanks in a further enlarged spine provide a maximum flight range of 2,100 km (1,300 mi) on internal fuel. The cockpit has an enhanced HOTAS design, two 152 mm × 203 mm (6.0 in × 8.0 in) colour liquid crystal MFDs and two smaller monochrome LCDs. The MiG-29A was not designed for an advanced air-to-ground capability, this is substantially improved by the SMT upgrade; features include air-to-ground radar detection and integrated air-to-ground guided weapons. The upgraded Zhuk-ME radar provides similar features to the MiG-29M. The power plant are upgraded RD-33 ser.3 engines with afterburning thrust rated at 81 kN (18,000 lbf) each. The weapons load was increased to 4,500 kg (9,900 lb) on six underwing and one ventral hardpoints, with similar weapon choices as for the MiG-29M. The upgraded aircraft can also accommodate non-Russian origin avionics and weapons.

MiG-29BM The MiG-29BM (probably Belarusian Modernised, possibly Bolyshaya Modernizaciya – large modernization) is an upgrade to the MiG-29 conducted by the ARZ-558 aircraft repair plant in Baranovichi, Belarus. The MiG-29BM is a strike variant of the MiG-29 pure fighter, the Belarusian counterpart to the Russian MiG-29SMT. It includes improvements to weapons, radar, as well as adding non-retractable air-air refueling ability. They entered service in 2003 and it is estimated, that ten or so were modernized to BM standard.

MiG-29UBT (Product 9.51T) SMT standard upgrade for the MiG-29UB. Namely users, Algeria and Yemen.

MiG-29UPG The Indian UPG version is similar to the SMT variant but differs by having a foreign-made avionics suite integrated within it, in the "international avionics suite". The weapons suite is the same as the SMT and K/KUB versions. The design is a new modification intended for the MiG-29s used by Indian Air Force. It made its maiden flight on 4 February 2011. The standard includes the new Zhuk-M radar, new avionics, a IFR probe as well as new enhanced RD-33 series 3 turbofan engines and DRDO/DARE D-29 electronic warfare system. The modernization is part of a $900 million contract to upgrade the 69 fighters fleet. In 2012, RAC MiG general director's stated the UPG version was the "most advanced" MiG-29 variant.

MiG-29SMP / MiG-29UBP Upgrade for the Peruvian Air Force MiG-29 fleet. In August 2008 a contract of US$106 million was signed with RAC MiG for this custom SM upgrade of an initial batch of eight MiG-29, with a provision for upgrade of the remainder of the Peruvian MiG-29 fleet.[164] The single-seat version is designated SMP, whereas the twin-seat version is designated UBP. The SMP standard features an improved ECM suite, avionics, sensors, pilot interface, and a MIL-STD-1553 databus. The interfaces include improved IRST capabilities for enhanced passive detection and tracking as well as better off-boresight launch capabilities, one MFCD and HOTAS.[165] The N019M1 radar, a heavily modified and upgraded digital version of the N019 radar, is used instead of the standard N010 Zhuk-M used on the MiG-29SMT. The upgrade also includes a structural life-extension program (SLEP), the overhaul, upgrade of the original engines and the installation of an in-flight refuelling probe.

MiG-29MU1 Ukrainian modernization of MiG-29. Range of detection of air targets increased up to 29% (up to 100 km (62 mi) in the forward hemisphere and up to 45 km (28 mi) at the rear).

MiG-29M / MiG-33 (Product 9.15) Advanced multirole variant, with a redesigned airframe, mechanical flight controls replaced by a fly-by-wire system and powered by enhanced RD-33 ser.3M engines. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-E".

MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61) Two-seat training variant of the MiG-29M. Never built. Effectively continued under the designation 'MiG-29M2'.

MiG-29M2 / MiG-29MRCA Two-seat version of MiG-29M. Identical characteristics to MiG-29M, with a slightly reduced ferry range of 1,800 km (1,100 mi). RAC MiG presented in various air shows, including Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE 2004), Aero India 2005, MAKS 2005. It was once given designation MiG-29MRCA for marketing purpose and now evolved into the current MiG-35.

MiG-29OVT The aircraft is one of the six pre-built MiG-29Ms before 1991, later received thrust vectoring engine and fly-by-wire technology. It served as a thrust-vectoring engine testbed and technology demonstrator in various air shows to show future improvement in the MiG-29M. It has identical avionics to the MiG-29M. The only difference in the cockpit layout is an additional switch to turn on vector thrust function. The two RD-133 thrust-vectoring engines, each features unique 3D rotating nozzles which can provide thrust vector deflection in all directions. However, despite its thrust-vectoring, other specifications were not officially emphasized. The aircraft is being demonstrated along with the MiG-29M2 in various air shows around the world for potential export. The aircraft is usually used as an aerobatic demonstrator.

MiG-29K (Product 9.31) Naval variant based on MiG-29M, the letter "K" stands for "Korabelnogo bazirovaniya" (deck-based). It features folding wings, arrestor gear, and reinforced landing gear. Originally intended for the Admiral Kuznetsov class aircraft carriers, it had received series production approval from the Russian Ministry of Defence but was grounded in 1992 due to shifting in military doctrine and financial difficulties. The MiG Corporation restarted the program in 1999. On 20 January 2004, the Indian Navy signed a contract of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB. Modifications were made for the Indian Navy requirement. Production MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB share a two-seater size canopy. The MiG-29K has radar-absorbing coatings to reduce radar signature. Cockpit displays consist of a wide HUD and three (seven on MiG-29KUB) color LCD MFDs with a Topsight E helmet-mounted targeting system. It has a full range of weapons compatible with the MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-D".

MiG-29KUB (Product 9.47) Identical characteristic to the MiG-29K but with tandem twin seat configuration. The design is to serve as trainer for MiG-29K pilot and is full combat capable. The first MiG-29KUB developed for the Indian Navy made its maiden flight at the Russian Zhukovsky aircraft test centre on 22 January 2007. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-D".

MiG-35 A development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-F".

System

Alternate Designation MIG-29; NATO: Fulcrum

Type Multirole Fighting Aircraft

Manufacturer Mikoyan

Crew 1 ea

Avionics/Sensor/Optics

Night/Weather Capabilities Yes

Type 1 Coherent pulse-Doppler look-down/ shoot- down radar range 9km). Search range 70 km, tracking range 35 km, targets tracked 10, targets engaged 2.

Type 2 Heads-Up-Display (HUD)

Type 3 infrared search and track system (IRST)

Dimensions

Height 4.8 m

Length 17.3 m

Width, Wingspan 11.4 m

Weight, Maximum Takeoff 10,900 kg

Weight, Maximum Gross 22,000 kg

Weight, Normal Takeoff 16,800 kg

Fuel and Load

Drop Tank, Quantity 3 ea

Fuel Capacity, External 4,150 liters

Fuel Capacity, Internal 4,300 liters

Weight, Standard Payload 3,000 - 4,000 kg

Performance

Power Plant/Engine 2 x Kimov/Sakisov RD-33

Engine Type Turbofan

Engine Power 49.42 kN (11,110 lbf) thrust each dry, 81.58 kN (18,340 lbf) with afterburner

Combat Range, with External Fuel 1,500 km

Combat Range, with Internal Fuel 710.0 km

Ferry Range 2900.0 km

Speed, Maximum “G” Force 9.0 g

Speed, Maximum, at altitude 2,400 km/h

Speed, Maximum, low or sea level 1,500 km/h

Takeoff Run/Landing Roll 550 m/ 900 m m

Vertical Climb Rate 330 m/s

Ceiling 18,000 m

Armament

Hardpoint/Weapon Station 1

Quantity 6.0 ea

Mixed Ordnance 1

Name AA-8 APHID

Type AAM

Combat Load 6.0 rds

Mixed Ordnance 10

Name INA

Type bomb

Weight 500 kg

Combat Load 4.0 rds

Mixed Ordnance 11

Name INA

Type rockets

Caliber 130 mm mm

Combat Load 4.0 rds

Mixed Ordnance 12

Type rocket pack

Mixed Ordnance 13

Name B-8M1

Caliber 80.0 mm

Combat Load 4.0 rds

Mixed Ordnance 2

Name AA-10 ALAMO

Type AAM

Combat Load 4.0 rds

Mixed Ordnance 3

Name AA-11 ARCHER

Type AAM

Combat Load 4.0 rds

Mixed Ordnance 4

Name AA-12 ADDER

Type AAM

Combat Load 4.0 rds

Mixed Ordnance 5

Name AS-14 KEDGE

Type ASM

Combat Load 2.0 rds

Mixed Ordnance 6

Name AS-17 KRYPTON

Type ASM

Mixed Ordnance 7

Name ZB-500

Type napalm tank

Combat Load 4.0 rds

Mixed Ordnance 8

Name KMGU-2 (sub munition dispensers)

Type submunition dispensers

Combat Load 4.0 rds

Weapon 1

Name Gsh-30-1

Type canon

Caliber/Length 30.0 mm

Image Sources

Notes https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_MiG-29; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mig-29_on_landing.jpg; https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130681;